The star Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has withdrawn from the ongoing Test series against England citing a family emergency.
Ashwin achieved the milestone of 500 Test wickets and became the second Indian bowler after Anil Kumble to reach this feat. During the second day of the Rajkot Test, Ashwin dismissed Zak Crawley and made his entry into the exclusive 500-wicket club.
Can India Take Replacement For R Ashwin In Third Test?
The Indian Team will need to find a replacement for R Ashwin for the remaining three days of the Test with a substitute. Although Ashwin’s absence is a significant loss for India, the priority is placed on the health and well-being of his loved ones.
India will field a playing XI with 10 players for the remaining duration of the Rajkot Test, along with one substitute player. The substitute player, however, will not have the opportunity to bat or bowl and can only participate in fielding.
As per the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the custodian of the Laws of the game, umpires have the authority to permit a substitute fielder if they are convinced that a player has sustained an injury or fallen ill during the match.
A substitute player is restricted from bowling or serving as a captain, but they can be designated as a wicket-keeper, subject to the umpires’ approval. In the case of Ashwin, who did not incur an injury or illness during the game, India will be permitted to have a substitute fielder in Rajkot only with the consent of the opposing captain, Ben Stokes.
